Books like 'The Rookie vs. The Ace'
Readers who enjoyed The Rookie vs. The Ace by Nicole Dykes, Liam DiCosimo & Tim Paige also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports queer insta-love from hate to love forced proximity age difference athletes
-
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
It’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a... -
Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton
Once upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches... -
Love in Tuscany by Maya Jean, J.J. Mulder
Spend the summer in Italy for charity!Everyone deserves a second chance, including wedding photographers. They may even catch a picture of a doctor finding his opposite, yet somehow perfect, match. Fall in love in Tuscany, before hitting the road on an adventure with a stranger...Categorized as:
queer age difference forced proximity insta-love contemporary m-m height-difference football -
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back?SANTACharlie Heart is many things:An annoyingly good hockey player.The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers.My rival.The only person I truly hate in the world.And now apparently, my newest teammate... -
-
Penalty Zone by Heather Leighson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCaleb It’s fine. Everything’s fine. I can handle working with Leo Griffin—my idol, my secret obsession… and my best friend’s dad. No big deal.Except his amber eyes track me like prey, and every glance makes me want to drop to my knees and submit. I can resist. It’s the only option. He’d never want someone like me anyway… right?LeoThe complication of Caleb Benz blindsides me, rattling my core... -
Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFor years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn... -
Off the Ice by Tierney Rose
How do you forgive the person who crushed your dreams and left you a crippled wreck? Ethan Russell doesn’t know, and he doesn’t want to find out. He’s too busy trying to rebuild something resembling a life from the ruins of what remains after defenseman Tanner McCoy shattered his hip and ended his career as the most promising goalie for the Miami Spirit in twenty years... -
Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFamily comes first in all things. Whatever the cost.Ten had always heard the saying ‘Out of the mouth of babes,’ but he’d not expected it to hit home as it had. After a comment from their daughter, Ten and Jared find themselves pondering an addition to the family. Moving into the adoption process is nerve-wracking and riddled with anxiety—kind of like how the Railers have been playing of late... -
Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn injury threatens to end Stan's career. Will he choose to fight for his beloved hockey, or put his family first? Few goalies are as dedicated as Stan Lyamin, known for his resilience on the ice, talking to his pipes, and his love of Elvis. Add in his adoration of his family and his life has been filled with all the things that bring him joy... -
Hay by Lucy Lennox
**NOTE: Hay is a 25k word SHORT.** When sports journalist Hayworth Buchanan lands the interview of his dreams, he gets the chance to visit famous NFL coach Christian Lasley at his secluded ranch in Wyoming. Despite the cold weather outside, things get plenty steamy inside when sparks fly between Hay and his celebrity sports crush... -
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe popular Scottish gay-romance series returns with this must-read novella! Colin’s wounds have finally healed. He’s ready for his big comeback on the football pitch and can’t wait to return to a normal life—especially the rampaging sex he and his boyfriend, Lord Andrew, once indulged in. But Andrew has his own invisible wounds... -
Love and History by Lane Hayes
The sporty roommate, the professor, and a history lesson…Holden-Ezra might be the most annoying roommate ever. He’s loud, obnoxious, and full of himself. So what if he’s a tall, muscular, tattooed jock? His tendency to strip to his boxers in the kitchen while helping himself to my food isn’t endearing in the slightest. Nope. Ezra has to go...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity from hate to love athletes queer m-m friends to lovers contemporary -
Final Score by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCan one perfect night lead to more?Jordan Green is too busy for a relationship. With the World Cup looming, his focus is on making the England team, not finding someone to spend his life with. His friends may be settling down, but Jordan’s had enough of planning weddings. All he wants is some fun, and Félix is the perfect person for that… even if he is his boss’s brother... -
Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
sports queer from hate to love m-m contemporary college queer-awakening length-novella -
-
Suited For You by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s smug, conceited … and hot as hell … Becoming a partner at Caldwell and Holton will be the crowning achievement in my hard fought career. There’s just one problem. One arrogant, materialistic, flashy problem: Saint Caldwell. Unlike me, he’s never had to struggle for anything a day in his life … or so I think. But there’s more to the man than a showy Porsche and killer smile... -
Undisputed by Aimee Nicole Walker, Nicholas Bella
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThere was once a time in my life where the only thing that mattered to me was fighting and winning. I’d step into that octagon with all the confidence in the world that I’d leave the victor. There was no challenge too great that I couldn’t handle. That was until I met a sassy and sexy reporter by the name of Aiden James and he flipped my world upside down... -
Breakaway by Kindle Alexander
Greer Lockhart set out to save the world from itself when he organized his first beach cleanup at the age of twelve. Now, as a uber-successful venture capitalist for eco-friendly startups, he doesn’t let anything get in the way of his goals—whether personal or professional. When a new fitness app schedules a site-wide cycle race, Greer’s competitive side won’t let him back down...Categorized as:
sports insta-love queer contemporary super rich hero m-m friends to lovers length-medium -
The Misfits of Copper County by May Archer
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen you burn down your contractor’s home… and kind of, accidentally invite him to move into yours.First things first, that fire was a fluke. A tragic, completely unintentional byproduct of high emotions, an ill-timed backyard grilling… and one very shirtless man.I only meant to confront Brewer—my maddeningly stoic contractor—about a few small concerns with the renovation of my historic money pit...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love queer m-m contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
The Sexy Suit by Lauren Blakely
Technically, he wasn’t my client the night I met him. But that’s hardly an excuse for flirting with the charming athlete at a hotel bar. Buying him a drink. Leading him on that I’d say yes if he asked me to spend the night. My only excuse? Some men are just irresistible. Now I might lose him as a client, and I can’t afford the hit to my reputation...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes queer m-m contemporary boss & employee length-novella -
Breakout Year by K.D. Casey
A newly traded, newly out third baseman on the cusp of his first major contract hires a fake boyfriend—not expecting him to be the former player who ghosted him years before. But as their star ascends in public, their feelings burn hot in private...threatening to expose what’s for the cameras—and what’s for real. Eitan Rivkin is used to being first... -
School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Colorado Penn finds an unexpected package on his front step, his life will be changed forever.Colorado Penn is living the dream. Starting goalie for the Arizona Raptors when in season, lead singer for a hard rock band when summer rolls around. He’s the quintessential free spirit who’s making sure he enjoys all the carnal blessings of his athleticism, and gritty singing voice... -
Power Play by Kennedy L. Mitchell
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI'm in over my head, failing in their power games I don't understand.One day I wasn't sure I could pay the water bill for my trailer; now I'm wearing red-soled heels and sipping champagne, acting like I belong. Everyone hates me. I'm alone in this hostile world until... him.Saving me from the burning limo intertwined our destinies, whether we like it or not.Secret Service Agent Trey Benson... -
Paper Snowflakes by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWho knew a white-out could bring two men clarity? Cameron - There’s something about an older man that drives me wild, but when he’s an amazing father too... swoon-worthy... -
Love Sky by Mame
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLove SkyThe intensified situation got ‘Sky’ cornered and forced him to get laid in order to get out. Sky tries to make up his mind, thinking of it as just a one night stand and no string attached.However, what he doesn’t know is that ‘Phraphai’ won’t give up so easily... -
-
Enforce by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey were supposed to be a one-night stand, and then a weekend fling… a just-for-this-season affair… soulmates. When Chip met Jai during All-Stars weekend, their hookup should’ve ended there. At the time, it was no big deal. As the assistant coach for the Phoenix Ice Rays, Chip can’t be in a relationship with a player from his team. Lucky for him, Jai plays for the Red Zones... -
Age Rules by Jacki James, Michelle Frost
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI was still too old for him, and he was still too far in the closet for me, but damn, if I didn’t crave him like a drug. After spending twenty years serving in the US Navy while Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was in effect, Darren Davis is unapologetically out and proud. He knows exactly what he wants in a relationship, and up and coming MMA star Andre Harrison isn’t it... -
Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series. Being stuck in the Neutral Zone is no way to live… Portland Storm defenseman Cole Paxton never intended to be the poster boy for gay hockey players... -
A Matter of Fact by Kate Hawthorne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsName – Rhys St. GeorgeAge – 37Relationship status – SingleLooking for – A way to make all of this rightBiggest regret – Callahan McMillianHobbies – Having money, making money, spending money, and wine... -
Montana Sky by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen they spend time alone on a Montana mountainside will Tyler ever convince Martin that like sapphires, love is worth searching for? Martin’s name was the very last on a kill list. The son of a murderer, he’s had no childhood; lost in a horrific holding pattern of death that turned his heart to stone... -
Roughing The Kicker by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDo you believe in fate? Yeah, me neither until the sexy Navy SEAL I hooked up with three years ago suddenly reappears back in my life in the form of one of my best friend’s older brother. And now, they want me to share a room with him in the Keys. “Can you share a room with Jesse tonight?”How could I say no? What Greg and Cooper didn’t know was Jesse and I met three years ago in Madrid... -
The Rookie vs The Ace by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCarson I’m the Rookie. That’s how they want to label me. The new guy. But I’m damn good at what I do. I don’t have anything to prove. Except maybe to him. I’ve watched his career for years. So yeah, maybe I want to impress him a tiny bit. But I also can’t help riling him up and ruffling his feathers. He wants me to do things his way, but I don’t work like that...Categorized as:
age difference sports from hate to love queer forced proximity athletes m-m contemporary -
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFour years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right.No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him... -
Music to His Ears by Ariella Zoelle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSal and Haverford are forced to live together, but that doesn’t mean they have to like it. Sparks fly between them, but will it lead to love?Sal HenrikComing home from a world tour early to find out my roommate sublet my room sucks. But being forced to share my room with the most annoying attorney on the planet? I’d rather launch myself into the sun, thanks...Categorized as:
from hate to love age difference insta-love forced proximity queer new adult contemporary humor -
My Brother's Enemy by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI never planned on falling for my brother’s mortal enemyWhen I first met Marcus, I had no idea he was the gangster who’d been waging a turf war with my older brother. He was just this gorgeous, sexy guy who was there for me when I needed a friend. By the time I found out the truth, it was too late—I’d already fallen for him... -
-
Payback by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat do you do when your ex-boyfriend breaks your heart? You get revenge, of course.It wasn’t just that my ex cheated on me. He also humiliated me and treated me like dirt. But I know how to get back at him.All I have to do is catch the eye of Malcolm Sterling—my ex’s dad, who happens to be a sexy, single silver fox. Since we’ve never met, he’ll have no idea who I am when I make my move... -
Playing Offside by Jax Calder
Falling for the guy whose starting spot you're after? Never a good idea.Aiden Jones, aka the Ice King, is one of the best rugby players in the world. He got there by working hard and sacrificing a lot, including denying a large part of himself. But there’s plenty of time to be the poster boy for gay rugby players after he retires... -
Two Weeks in Paradise by A.D. Ellis
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsBen Stephens adores his daughter, loves making furniture, and is slowly but surely healing from a traumatic past. He’s even almost positive he’s okay with his only child getting married. The tropical destination wedding is outside of his comfort zone, but he can deal with it. After all, it’s for his baby girl, and it’s only two weeks...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love queer single-father hurt-comfort m-m contemporary length-short -
Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSummer in the Big Easy is hot. Inside Tulane Medical Center the temperature is on the rise. Six never before released stories that will leave you breathless. Dirty things happen in the dark. Off Duty Sawyer Bennett A member of the New York Fire Department, single father Tim Davis is about as tough as they come... -
Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMatthias Brandl always knew he wouldn’t spend his entire career with the same team. He does have two tiny problems with getting traded to Las Vegas, though. Number one: Matthias hooked up with their starting goalie Casey Wallace last summer. Number two: Casey totally hates his guts.Now that Matthias has to be Casey’s backup whether he likes it or not, they have to find a way to work together...Categorized as:
sports athletes from hate to love forced proximity queer m-m contemporary grumpy sunshine -
Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNo one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly.Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief... -
Billion Dollar Sugar Baby by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsBachelor. Billionaire. Unlucky in love. Alex Schaffer is tired of rich playboys with ulterior motives.Broke. Tired. Trying to get by. Wren Collins just wants to look after his found family.Wren's life is about to go from rags to riches when Alex decides he wants Wren all to himself, and he's willing to pay any price...Categorized as:
queer forced proximity from hate to love m-m contemporary hurt-comfort super rich hero length-short -
Change Up by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief. With so many of his teammates coming out of the closet and living healthy lives, it’s getting harder for him to keep the secret only one other person knows: that he’s not as straight as everyone assumes when they see him out with his hot girlfriend... -
Retaking the Shot by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Ford, stay with me.”Those were the last four words Ford Mahoney heard Emmett Cooper utter before everything went dark. When Ford wakes up in the hospital, it doesn’t take long for him to realize he needs to confront the demons of his past. Meanwhile, the event of that night leaves Coop envisioning a better future for himself.As they both try to find their way, they can’t deny the bond they share... -
Summer Makeover by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsGregory: Maybe it’s odd that an astrophysicist would spend his weekend before a big conference cutting hair, but it's my creative outlet. Frankly, it's closer to community outreach with all of these pandemic styles.Speaking of which, a weird guy with a huge beard and crazy salt-and-pepper hair just walked in. He's got pretty eyes, I'll give him that. But sir, I'm a scientist, not a miracle worker... -
-
Clip by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLuka was nothing more than a job to Brady… until he wasn’t. When the owner of the Phoenix Ice Rays starts receiving death threats, the first thing he does is hire Brady to protect his son, Luka. It’s a move that leaves Luka less than thrilled. Ever since moving out on his own six years earlier, he’s come to embrace the silence of his workaholic ways... -
There For You by Anyta Sunday
Sam’s freaking out. He’s 30 in three weeks. And what has he done in his twenties? It’s pretty simple math: nothing exciting at all. But hey, he has three weeks right? Maybe that’s just enough time to tick his way through a 20s Must Do List . . . Luke’s freaking screwed. He’s come out to his family, and his friends...Categorized as:
age difference sports queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers open-door length-medium -
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, it took no time at all for Cody Marshall to fall for the rookie pitcher at spring training. While their lives were nothing alike, Cody understood Nick Stone’s insecurities and pain. And then… Nick left. Eventually, Cody found his own passion and landed a dream internship with the Mavericks. His life was finally turning around. And then… Nick came back... -
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLoving You: Book Four Can friends turned occasional lovers move beyond past mistakes and wrong assumptions to build something that can last? Quiet bookworm Shane has a big secret—one he’s kept for fifteen years. AFL superstar Ambrose Jakoby grew up next door to Shane. They were close friends, and Shane supported Ambrose through school. One night, everything changed... -
Winnie Takes Paris by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventure… WinnieSomeone once said, when life gets you down and you’re feeling blue, you should brush yourself off…and go to Paris.Okay, maybe that was me. I said it and I don’t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and cosmetic guru in LA... -
Country Boy by A.E. Wasp
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSometimes the toughest thing to have faith in is yourself. The first time Paul Dyson met Robbie Rhodes, they ended up naked in Robbie’s bed. The last time they met, on the ice the morning after, Paul punched Robbie in the face and called him something he’d rather not repeat. Two years later, they’re teammates on the Seattle Thunder hockey team...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

